Broad Trade Deal on Table

U.S., Europe Launch Negotiations on Pact; Ironing Out Details Could Take Two Years

By

Sudeep Reddy in Washington,

Matthew Dalton in Brussels and

Joann S. Lublin in New York

Updated Feb. 13, 2013 7:53 p.m. ET

The U.S. and European Union are launching negotiations to pursue one of the most complex trade pacts ever, aiming to reshape global standards by uniting two international economic powers.

Officials from both sides of the Atlantic said Wednesday that it could take two years to work through thorny regulatory divisions, but that ultimately the talks could lead to a far-reaching agreement that serves as a model for international trade...